Fatal Truck Accident that Killed 5 Caused by Driver Fatigue
After three years of investigation, the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) has determined the cause of a 2005 fatal semi truck and bus accident was driver fatigue. The accident that occurred in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin killed a bus driver and four passengers. Additionally, 35 bus passengers were injured.
Here, the semi truck, carrying groceries, flipped over and blocked two lanes of traffic on Interstate 94. A bus carrying band members was traveling between 65-80 mph and did not have time to stop before crashing into the overturned truck.
The NTSB led a thorough investigation in this accident, as well as numerous others, to find reasons behind the increase in truck accidents. The NTSB is releasing a 60- page report, detailing the mechanics of the accident and specifically the drivers’ roles.
Increasing data across the nation has found that truck accidents due to driver fatigue account for an overwhelming number of truck accidents every year. In this case, the driver was accused of falling asleep behind the wheel after working long hours.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates truck driver hours throughout the nation. These regulations state:
- A driver can drive a maximum of 11 hour after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- After first coming on duty, a driver cannot drive more than 14 hours and must take the next 10 hours off duty
- A driver cannot drive more than 60/70 hours on duty for 7/8 consecutive days
- But a driver can restart the 7/8 day consecutive period by taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty
- A driver using a sleeper berth must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth followed by another 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth or off duty, or any combination of the two
Employers must follow these guidelines as well. If it is found that an employer requires their truck drivers to work beyond the limits stated, the employer may be penalized.
These regulations are set in place to avoid truck accidents such as the one above that killed five people and injured 35. The fatal truck accident could have likely been prevented if the driver had adequate rest and breaks throughout the workday. Driver fatigue is currently a main area of emphasis for the NTSB, as the number of accidents allegedly caused by tired truck drivers continues to grow and these incidents are relatively preventable.
As a partner at Page//Cagle, A Missouri Personal Injury Law Firm, I have spent my whole career litigating truck accident cases. I am dedicated to aggressively representing those injured in truck crashes and will do the same for you.
If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident, I am more than willing to discuss your case with you. I offer free consultations to evaluate your case and address any questions and concerns you may have. You pay nothing unless you recover.
You can reach me 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit my website, www.TruckAccidentLawGroup.com, for more information. I look forward to speaking with you.
